In a recent announcement, Persija Jakarta has officially appointed Thomas Doll as their new head coach. Mr. Doll expressed his gratitude and excitement about joining a club with such a prestigious reputation, referring to the team, affectionately known as the ‘Tigers of Kemayoran,’ as one of the prominent football clubs in Indonesia. “I am honored to join one of the big teams in Indonesia and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to elevate Persija to new heights. I cannot wait to lead training sessions in Jakarta,” he stated, as reported by Antara in Jakarta on April 23.
Mr. Doll, who hails from Germany, views this role as a significant new challenge within his extensive coaching career, which spans over two decades. He takes over the managerial position from Sudirman, following Persija’s recent underwhelming season which concluded with an eighth-place finish in the 2021-2022 Indonesian League 1, where the team fell short of expectations set by management.
In addition to his responsibilities as head coach, Mr. Doll will also serve as the manager for the club under a three-season contract. Persija Jakarta’s President, Mohamad Prapanca, expressed optimism regarding this appointment, stating, “We have reached an agreement to collaborate, and we warmly hope that he will enhance the team’s performance.”
Prior to joining Persija, Mr. Doll has held managerial positions with various clubs across Europe and Asia, including Borussia Dortmund during the 2007-2008 season, Hamburger SV, Hannover 96, APOEL Nicosia, and Ferencvarosi TC among others. Notably, during his tenure at Ferencvarosi, he led the club to numerous national championships, including three Hungarian Cups and one league title.
As a player, Mr. Doll possessed commendable skills, having played for revered clubs in renowned European leagues, such as Lazio, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Hamburger SV. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, including his ability to inspire players, Persija Jakarta has made key player acquisitions, including Hansamu Yama, Firza Andika, and Hanif Sjahbandi, in hopes of revitalizing the team’s performance in the upcoming season. The club aims to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of Indonesian football, fostering a sense of ambition and commitment amid its recent challenges.
Leave a Reply